PROTECT YOUR PETS

PROTECT YOUR PETS
January 5, 2017 Ralph Borcherds

Make a Disaster Plan for Your Pets

ID your pet

Make sure that cats and dogs are wearing collars and identification tags that are up to date and securely fastened. If possible, etch your address and/or phone number to your dog or cats identification tag. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home. You’ll increase your chances of being reunited with pets that get lost by having them micro-chipped; make sure the microchip registration is in your name. Remember: The average citizen who finds your pet won’t be able to scan for a chip, but they will probably be able to read a basic tag! Put your cell phone number on your pet’s tag. It may also be a good idea to include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area—in case you have had to evacuate.

Put together your pet’s disaster kit
A Pet basic disaster kit includes:

  • Food and water for at least five days for each pet, bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food. At least one gallon of water per animal per day on hand to use if your pet has been exposed to chemicals or flood waters and needs to be rinsed.
  • Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and a first-aid kit. A pet first-aid book is also a good idea.
  • Cat litter box, litter, litter scoop and garbage bags to collect all your pets’ waste.
  • Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can’t escape. Make sure that your cat or dog is wearing a collar and identification that is up to date and visible at all times. Carriers should be large enough to allow your pet to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. (Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time.) Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets—who may also need blankets or towels for bedding and warmth as well as special items, depending on their species.
  • Current photos of you with your pets. Descriptions of your pets as well to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated—and to prove that they are yours once you’re reunited.
  • Written information about your pets’ feeding schedules, medical conditions and behavior issues along with the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.

Other useful items include:
♦ Newspapers ♦ Paper towels ♦ Plastic trash bags ♦ Grooming items ♦ Household bleach

Prepare a Shelter for Your Pet ahead of Time

Never think that you will be allowed to bring your pet to an emergency shelter. Before a disaster hits, call your local office of emergency management office and verify if you will be allowed to evacuate with your pets. Also verify that there will be shelters in your area that take people and their pets.

  • Make arrangements with friends or relatives: Ask people outside your immediate area if they would be able to shelter you and your pets—or just your pets—if necessary. If you have more than one pet, you may need to arrange to house them at separate locations.
  • Consider a kennel or veterinarian’s office: Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in disaster emergencies (make sure to include their 24-hour telephone numbers). Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet’s medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current. Include copies in your “pet survival” kit along with a photo of your pet.
  • Check with your local animal shelter: Some shelters may be able to provide foster care or shelter for pets in an emergency. Remember shelters have limited resources and are likely to be stretched during a local emergency.
  • Plan for your pet in case you’re not home: In case you’re away during a disaster or evacuation order. Confine your pet to a safe area inside – NEVER leave your pet chained outside! Leave them loose inside your home with food and plenty of water. Remove the toilet tank lid, raise the seat and brace the bathroom door open so they can drink. Place a notice outside in a visible area, advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your vet.
  • If you have a pet-sitter, they may be able to help: Discuss the possibility well in advance.

If you evacuate, take your pet

  1. Rule number one: If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! Pets may not survive by themselves. If by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return.
  2. Rule number two: Evacuate early. Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.

If you stay home, do it safely

If your family and pets must wait out a storm or other disaster at home. Identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together.

  • Close off or eliminate unsafe nooks and crannies where frightened cats may try to hide.
  • Move dangerous items such as tools or toxic products that have been stored in the area.
  • Bring your pets indoors as soon as local authorities say trouble is on the way. Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and make sure they are wearing identification.
  • Designate a “safe room” if you can, put your emergency supplies in that room in advance, including your pet’s crate and supplies. Have any medications and a supply of pet food and water inside watertight containers, along with your other emergency supplies. If there is an open fireplace, vent, pet door or similar opening in the house, close it off with plastic sheeting and strong tape.
  • Listen to the radio periodically, and don’t come out until you know it’s safe.
Authored by: David Nunn, Desert Hot Springs Emergency Preparedness CERT Committee
Contributing sources: Humane Society.org – Ready.gov

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